Whose Fault is it when New Orleans Vessels Run Aground?

When a Gulf of Mexico vessel runs aground, there is a potential for great harm. Of the many maritime accidents that occur, grounding can cause damage to the environment, injury and death for ship workers, problems for the communities near the site of the accident, and financial losses for the industry.

The October 2011 grounding of a diesel fuel supply ship is a good example. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Australian ship, the MV Island Trader, had run aground and that maritime officials there were investigating the accident.

The ship, which was loaded with 20 tons of marine diesel fuel, hit a sand bank while delivering island supplies. A local senator said that she had voiced concerns about the ship seven years earlier, saying the ship was "an accident waiting to happen."

The grounding raised many concerns that are shared all around the world.

• People could have been injured.
• The owner/operator may have played a role.
• The pilot may have played a role.
• Because the ship can carry up to 130 tons of fuel and safety procedures were not in place, it could cause an environmental disaster.
• Pollution prevention booms were not in place.

 

Because vessel groundings continue to happen and human error causes most of them, it is safe to assume the majority could be prevented. If owners were all following established guidelines, many accidents and injuries might never have happened.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Louisiana maritime accident, please call The Young Firm. Based in New Orleans, we serve the entire Gulf Coast region. Our toll free number is 866-938-6113. Call us today for a free case consultation.